Wacky Amp meter

[showcow]

Hey guys.

I've finished my Kal Clone (THANKS, KAL!!!), and it's working great... except for the amp meter. It is absolutely 100% wired correctly (it's not complicated), so i think it's a problem with the meter. I've rewired it several times, and have gotten the same result. The meter flashes random numbers ranging from the low 20's to over 60 (this is a 50 amp meter). here's a gif of the meter in action. When i took this video, i had the panel plugged in with no elements or pumps running:

https://imgflip.com/gif/8qzec

Ideas? I don't mind ordering another one, I just want to make sure there isn't something I'm not thinking of. Ideas? Thanks!

 

[milldoggy]

I had wacky results and blew mine twice, so I removed it and never looked back

 

[P-J]

Hey guys.
...
Ideas? I don't mind ordering another one, I just want to make sure there isn't something I'm not thinking of. Ideas? Thanks!

If your setup includes a PID that is controlling a regulated MASH or HLT temperature, I think you are seeing a normal current draw with those devices. The amp draw is dependent on the instant of the current draw during the process.

 

[kal]

Can you back up a bit so that we can see what else is turning on/off on your control panel? (Assuming you have lights or something that indicates when an element is turning on/off).

What happens when you plug it in but do not run an element at all?

Kal

 

[evanmars]

...When i took this video, i had the panel plugged in with no elements or pumps running:

.

 

[kal]

Then it sounds like there's an issue. Could be that the amp meter is DC (not AC).

Kal

 

[showcow]

This panel is a "kal-clone," and I did not have anything running while the amp meter shows random numbers. Although when I do run elements/pumps with the amp meter wired in, it still flashes the same way.

here is a pic of the back of the amp meter. Definitely ac. Guess I'll be ordering another one! Thanks guys. Most of these posts end with a "you wired it wrong and blew it," so hopefully this is just an actual bad meter!

 

[lschiavo]

There's your problem you glued it in and all the writing is in Chinese

 

[WPStrassburg]

What are you using for a power source? Looks like it requires a 5V DC, not AC, source which usually has to have a separate isolated transformer from the volt meter(if you are using a volt meter)

 

[showcow]

Yup, using a doorbell transformer and an adjustable dc supply for the meter power.